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Antique Commode Chest

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Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tallboy or Chest on Chest
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very good quality and charming mid-18th century mahogany chest on chest, or tallboy, having
Category

Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tallboy or Chest on Chest
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tallboy or Chest on Chest

Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tallboy or Chest on Chest

$9,379
18th Century German Neoclassical Walnut Commode
Located in Rochester, NY
German neoclassical two-drawer walnut veneered commode. Good old finish with rich color, circa 1790
Category

18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Antique 18th Century German Neoclassical Walnut Commode
18th Century German Neoclassical Walnut Commode

18th Century German Neoclassical Walnut Commode

$6,500
18th Century German Baroque Sauteuse Commode
Located in Forney, TX
A unique signed original Baroque Sauteuse commode from the 18th century. Exceptionally executed
Category

18th Century Baroque Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Fruitwood, Maple, Olive, Walnut, Burl

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Sauteuse Commode
18th Century German Baroque Sauteuse Commode

18th Century German Baroque Sauteuse Commode

$5,500
19th Century Chinese Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century Chinese Elm wood chest with 11 functioning, dovetailed drawers. Mortise and tenon
Category

19th Century Chinese Rustic Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chest
19th Century Chinese Chest

19th Century Chinese Chest

$14,820
One 19thc Painted and Gilded Commode
Located in New Orleans, LA
One painted and gilded Swedish commode
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Antique One 19thc Painted and Gilded Commode
One 19thc Painted and Gilded Commode

One 19thc Painted and Gilded Commode

$9,800
18th Century Louis XV Period Walnut Commode
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Charming 18th Century Louis XV Period Walnut Crossbow Commode This mid-18th-century walnut French
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Walnut

Antique 18th Century Louis XV Period Walnut Commode
18th Century Louis XV Period Walnut Commode

18th Century Louis XV Period Walnut Commode

$6,572
Persian Wooden Chest
Located in Munich, DE
Beautiful Persian wooden chest with opening front. Lots of storage with wonderful ornamental design
Category

19th Century Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Antique Persian Wooden Chest
Persian Wooden Chest

Persian Wooden Chest

$3,987 Sale Price
20% Off
French 18th Century Transitional Marquetry Commode
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Louis XV-XVI transitional period commode with lovely marquetry in satinwood, rosewood and
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

Antique French 18th Century Transitional Marquetry Commode
French 18th Century Transitional Marquetry Commode

French 18th Century Transitional Marquetry Commode

$14,750
18th Century Massachusetts Cherry Chippendale Chest on Chest
Located in Essex, MA
A Massachusetts Chippendale period 18th century cherry chest-on-chest. In two parts, the swan's
Category

Mid-18th Century American Chippendale Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Chestnut

Antique 18th Century Massachusetts Cherry Chippendale Chest on Chest
18th Century Massachusetts Cherry Chippendale Chest on Chest

18th Century Massachusetts Cherry Chippendale Chest on Chest

$12,500
19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th-century Italian Neo-Classical walnut commode is a stunning piece of antique furniture
Category

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Walnut Commode
19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Walnut Commode

19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Walnut Commode

$7,800
19th Century French Empire Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Empire walnut commode with Belgian black marble top. Circa 1850. This is a
Category

1850s Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

19th Century French Empire Walnut Commode
19th Century French Empire Walnut Commode

19th Century French Empire Walnut Commode

$5,800
Italian Louis XV-Style Bombe Commode
Located in Houston, TX
add to the Beauty of this commode. Scroll work design in a marquetry Inlay further adds to the
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Walnut

Italian Louis XV-Style Bombe Commode
Italian Louis XV-Style Bombe Commode

Italian Louis XV-Style Bombe Commode

$3,600 Sale Price
20% Off
French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Commode
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Superb Louis XVI French chest, it is made of walnut with a Saint-Anne marble top.
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Commode
French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Commode

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Commode

$4,000
19th C English George II Burl Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser Chest of 8 Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English George II Burl Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser Chest of 8 Drawers. Item featured is a
Category

19th Century George II Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Walnut, Burl

19th C English George II Burl Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser Chest of 8 Drawers
19th C English George II Burl Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser Chest of 8 Drawers

19th C English George II Burl Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser Chest of 8 Drawers

$4,800
18th Century Vintage French Commode Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This magnificent piece of history, a French Louis XV-period (18th century) commode chair
Category

Mid-18th Century European Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Brass

18th Century Vintage French Commode Chair
18th Century Vintage French Commode Chair

18th Century Vintage French Commode Chair

$1,200
Italian 19th Century Two Drawer Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational large-scale Italian 19th-century two-drawer commode with all original painted
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Italian 19th Century Two Drawer Commode
Italian 19th Century Two Drawer Commode

Italian 19th Century Two Drawer Commode

$22,500
18th Century Louis XVI Style Marquetry Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 18th century German Louis XVI style marquetry commode, or chest of drawers, with inlaid
Category

18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Louis XVI Style Marquetry Commode
18th Century Louis XVI Style Marquetry Commode

18th Century Louis XVI Style Marquetry Commode

$4,500
Louis XV Commode After Charles Cressent
Located in BARSAC, FR
Superb Louis XV commode in the style of Charles Cressent, in floral marquetry in rosewood frames
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Louis XV Commode After Charles Cressent
Louis XV Commode After Charles Cressent

Louis XV Commode After Charles Cressent

$17,682
Commode, Parigi metà del XVIII secolo
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Commode a due cassetti continui con catena a scomparsa. Il mobile è bombato grazie ad una mossa sia
Category

1750s French Other Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

Commode, Parigi metà del XVIII secolo
Commode, Parigi metà del XVIII secolo

Commode, Parigi metà del XVIII secolo

$35,483
French Louis XV Period Walnut Commode
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Louis XV period walnut commode in galbee form, three drawers and gilt bronze foliate style
Category

Early 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XV Period Walnut Commode
French Louis XV Period Walnut Commode

French Louis XV Period Walnut Commode

$8,400 Sale Price
36% Off
Louis XV Commode, France, 1760-1770
Located in Belmont, MA
Outstanding Louis XV commode, France 1760-1770, rosewood, elmwood and amaranth marquetry with
Category

1760s French Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Elm, Rosewood

Louis XV Commode, France, 1760-1770
Louis XV Commode, France, 1760-1770

Louis XV Commode, France, 1760-1770

$17,000
19th Century Italian Bleached Walnut Commode with Inlay
Located in Carmine, TX
Neoclassical commode hand-made in Italy in the mid 1900s using walnut and decorated with walnut
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

19th Century Italian Bleached Walnut Commode with Inlay
19th Century Italian Bleached Walnut Commode with Inlay

19th Century Italian Bleached Walnut Commode with Inlay

$4,850 / set
18th Century Carved and Painted Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Fabulous 18th century French carved and painted oak commode. Amazing patina on this substantial
Category

18th Century French Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

18th Century Carved and Painted Commode
18th Century Carved and Painted Commode

18th Century Carved and Painted Commode

$13,750
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Commode
Located in Essex, MA
18th Century Italian Paint Decorated Commode Faux stone painted rectangular top.  Two front drawers
Category

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Commode
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Commode

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Commode

$7,500
Early 19th Century French Fruitwood Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A French fruitwood three-drawer commode with bombe front and sides, circa 1820.
Category

Early 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Fruitwood

Early 19th Century French Fruitwood Commode
Early 19th Century French Fruitwood Commode

Early 19th Century French Fruitwood Commode

$6,298
19th Century Biedermeier Commode with Ebonized Details
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century period German Biedermeier walnut commode with ebonized details. A very handsome chest
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Commode with Ebonized Details
19th Century Biedermeier Commode with Ebonized Details

19th Century Biedermeier Commode with Ebonized Details

$14,000
Pair of grey Baroque Commodes, circa 1780
Located in Greding, DE
An elegant pair of Baroque commodes crafted circa 1780. The commodes rest on gracefully curved S
Category

1780s European Baroque Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Pair of grey Baroque Commodes, circa 1780
Pair of grey Baroque Commodes, circa 1780

Pair of grey Baroque Commodes, circa 1780

$11,392 / set
19th Century Italian Fruitwood Inlaid Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Italian Fruitwood Commode provides a delightfully artistic look that remains tailored
Category

1870s Italian Baroque Revival Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Italian Fruitwood Inlaid Commode
19th Century Italian Fruitwood Inlaid Commode

19th Century Italian Fruitwood Inlaid Commode

$3,450
Mother of Pearl Inlaid Ebonized Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and exceptional Tuscan, ebonized 4 drawer commode inlaid with gilded bronze and mother of
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Bronze

Mother of Pearl Inlaid Ebonized Commode
Mother of Pearl Inlaid Ebonized Commode

Mother of Pearl Inlaid Ebonized Commode

$158,000
Italian Walnut Serpentine Commode, 18th Century
Located in CH
Italian Walnut Serpentine Commode Emilian Baroque, 18th Century An 18th-century Italian Emilian
Category

1720s Italian Rococo Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Italian Walnut Serpentine Commode, 18th Century
Italian Walnut Serpentine Commode, 18th Century

Italian Walnut Serpentine Commode, 18th Century

$20,000
Louis XV Style 3 Drawer Commode
Located in New York, NY
A French Louis XV style 3 drawer commode with shaped front and sides veneered overall with figured
Category

19th Century Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble, Brass

Louis XV Style 3 Drawer Commode
Louis XV Style 3 Drawer Commode

Louis XV Style 3 Drawer Commode

$5,200
English bow front chest on chest early 19th century
Located in Charleston, SC
Mahogany bow front chest on chest early 19th century.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Mahogany

English bow front chest on chest early 19th century
English bow front chest on chest early 19th century

English bow front chest on chest early 19th century

$4,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Cherry Commode, Late 18th Century
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Small feather cherry wood chest of drawers, late 18th century. Repurposed for dedicated use
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Cherry

Antique Cherry Commode, Late 18th Century
Antique Cherry Commode, Late 18th Century

Antique Cherry Commode, Late 18th Century

$1,424
20th Century French Two Drawer Walnut Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 20th Century French walnut inverted breakfront commode. With two locking drawers. Circa 1920.
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Walnut

20th Century French Two Drawer Walnut Commode
20th Century French Two Drawer Walnut Commode

20th Century French Two Drawer Walnut Commode

$7,229
19th Century French Provincial Oak Commode
Located in Richmond, VA
19th century French Provincial oak commode with three drawers, carved knees and feet and three
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Provincial Oak Commode
19th Century French Provincial Oak Commode

19th Century French Provincial Oak Commode

$4,900
A rare 18th century ebonised Mazarine commode
Located in London, GB
An early 18th century French Mazarine commode , three tiered with striking curved corner legs
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Metal

A rare 18th century ebonised Mazarine commode
A rare 18th century ebonised Mazarine commode

A rare 18th century ebonised Mazarine commode

$7,530
18th Century Continental Commode With Marble Top
Located in Charlottesville, VA
18th century Continental commode featuring a serpentine front and richly molded drawer fronts
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

18th Century Continental Commode With Marble Top
18th Century Continental Commode With Marble Top

18th Century Continental Commode With Marble Top

$3,800
French Walnut Commode with Marble Top
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning 19th C French walnut three drawer commode with a very good marble top. 1880. Dimensions
Category

19th Century French Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

French Walnut Commode with Marble Top
French Walnut Commode with Marble Top

French Walnut Commode with Marble Top

$4,518
19th Century Exquisite Louis Philippe Commode
Located in High Point, NC
EXQUISITE 19th century Louis Philippe commode from France. The top is a gorgeous gray marble with
Category

19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

19th Century Exquisite Louis Philippe Commode
19th Century Exquisite Louis Philippe Commode

19th Century Exquisite Louis Philippe Commode

$7,250
Antique French Marble Top Inlaid Commode
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French commode with a marble top. This dates from around the 1880-1900 period
Category

1890s French Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

Antique French Marble Top Inlaid Commode
Antique French Marble Top Inlaid Commode

Antique French Marble Top Inlaid Commode

$1,335
Early 20th C French Ebonised Marble Top Commode
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this marble-topped commode dates from approximately 1910. Chest of drawers has an
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble, Brass

Early 20th C French Ebonised Marble Top Commode
Early 20th C French Ebonised Marble Top Commode

Early 20th C French Ebonised Marble Top Commode

$3,995
Italian Rococo Lacca Povera Painted Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Serpentine faux marble top over three conforming drawers. Raised on cabriole legs. Painted with vignettes of country scenes on a yellow ground.
Category

1750s Italian Rococo Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Pine

Italian Rococo Lacca Povera Painted Commode
Italian Rococo Lacca Povera Painted Commode

Italian Rococo Lacca Povera Painted Commode

$6,850
Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
The early 19th-century Swedish Chest on Chest is a captivating and functional piece of furniture
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century
Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century

Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century

$10,000
Fine 18th Century French Régence Period Commode
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine early 18th century French Provence Régence period commode ​sauteuse in its original condition
Category

Early 18th Century French Regency Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Brass

Fine 18th Century French Régence Period Commode
Fine 18th Century French Régence Period Commode

Fine 18th Century French Régence Period Commode

$18,000
Large 18th Century Louis XVI Period Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Large late 18th Century French Louis XVI period three drawer commode. With later grey gesso painted
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large 18th Century Louis XVI Period Commode
Large 18th Century Louis XVI Period Commode

Large 18th Century Louis XVI Period Commode

$4,429
18th Century Italian Neoclassic Inlaid Walnut Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Italian Neoclassic Inlaid Walnut Commode. Veneer Sienna Marble Top. This rare chest
Category

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

18th Century Italian Neoclassic Inlaid Walnut Commode
18th Century Italian Neoclassic Inlaid Walnut Commode

18th Century Italian Neoclassic Inlaid Walnut Commode

$8,600
Rare 19th Century Painted Louis Philippe Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Philippe commode showcases intricate detailing and a timeless elegance. Painted in a black lacquer with a
Category

19th Century Louis Philippe Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Wood

Rare 19th Century Painted Louis Philippe Commode
Rare 19th Century Painted Louis Philippe Commode

Rare 19th Century Painted Louis Philippe Commode

$7,400
19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Directoire mahogany Commode exudes the understated elegance for which the style
Category

1890s French Directoire Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Commode
19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Commode

19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Commode

$4,980
Antique Louis XV Style Bombe Commode
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental antique Louis XV style parquetry inlaid bombe marble top commode, 19th century.
Category

19th Century European Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Louis XV Style Bombe Commode
Antique Louis XV Style Bombe Commode

Antique Louis XV Style Bombe Commode

$1,200 Sale Price
40% Off
Parquetry Veneered Italian Commode, circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic, canted corner, three-drawer, walnut and pearwood commode from Modena, Italy. Striking
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Pearwood, Walnut

Parquetry Veneered Italian Commode, circa 1800
Parquetry Veneered Italian Commode, circa 1800

Parquetry Veneered Italian Commode, circa 1800

$26,800
Antique Mahogany Two-Piece Chest on Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Handsome Antique Mahogany Two-Piece Chest of Drawers, attributed to be from the George III period
Category

19th Century European George III Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Mahogany Two-Piece Chest on Chest of Drawers
Antique Mahogany Two-Piece Chest on Chest of Drawers

Antique Mahogany Two-Piece Chest on Chest of Drawers

$3,800
Art Nouveau Style Mahogany Side Commode
Located in Troy, MI
This circa 1910 Art Nouveau style mahogany side cabinet / commode was found in France. The cabinet
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Mahogany

Art Nouveau Style Mahogany Side Commode
Art Nouveau Style Mahogany Side Commode

Art Nouveau Style Mahogany Side Commode

$4,195
Bleached Louis XV Style Commode, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A bleached Louis XV style commode with marble top, mid-19th century. 55 inches wide by 22 inches
Category

19th Century Louis XV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Marble

Bleached Louis XV Style Commode, 19th Century
Bleached Louis XV Style Commode, 19th Century

Bleached Louis XV Style Commode, 19th Century

$7,800
18th Century French Marble-Top Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18th century four-drawer commode with marble top and original pulls and key holes.
Category

18th Century French Antique Commode Chest

18th Century French Marble-Top Commode
18th Century French Marble-Top Commode

18th Century French Marble-Top Commode

$3,950
Swedish pair of 19th century black painted commodes
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish pair of 19th century black painted commodes circa 1870. Slightly different from the usual
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish pair of 19th century black painted commodes
Swedish pair of 19th century black painted commodes

Swedish pair of 19th century black painted commodes

$9,379 / set
Antique Country French Regence Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Country French Regence Walnut Commode was hand-crafted from the premier indigenous hardwood
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Bronze

Antique Country French Regence Walnut Commode
Antique Country French Regence Walnut Commode

Antique Country French Regence Walnut Commode

$3,480
Danish 19th Century Empire Mahogany Commode
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish Empire commode made in Regency style. Unique, probably made to order. Cuba mahogany with
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Empire Antique Commode Chest

Materials

Brass

Danish 19th Century Empire Mahogany Commode
Danish 19th Century Empire Mahogany Commode

Danish 19th Century Empire Mahogany Commode

$3,675 Sale Price
30% Off
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Antique Commode Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique commode chest for your home. An antique commode chest — often made from wood, metal and walnut — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the antique commode chest you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique commode chest, designed in the Georgian, Louis XVI or Louis XV style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one antique commode chest that is appealing in its simplicity, but Maison Jansen, Europa Antiques and Paul Sormani produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Commode Chest?

Prices for an antique commode chest start at $1 and top out at $845,000 with the average selling for $4,985.

Finding the Right Commodes-chests-of-drawers for You

Shopping for a commode or a chest of drawers?

Commode is the French term for a low chest of drawers, but it is also sometimes used to denote any case piece with a particularly intricate design. The commode dates to circa 1700 France, where it was used as an alternative to a taller cabinet piece so as to not obscure paneled, mirrored or tapestried walls. Coffers, or chests, which were large wooden boxes with hinged lids and sometimes stood on ball feet, preceded chests of drawers, a fashionable cabinet furnishing that garnered acclaim for its obvious storage potential and versatility. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot. 

As time passed, French and British furniture makers led the way in the production of chests of drawers, and features like the integration of bronze and ornamental pulls became commonplace. Antique French commodes in the Louis XV style were sometimes crafted in mahogany or walnut, while an Italian marble top added a sophisticated decorative flourish. This specific type of case piece grew in popularity in the years that followed.

So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Tallboys and highboys are variations of the dresser form. Some chests of drawers have one column of four to six long drawers or three long drawers in their bottom section that are topped by a cluster of small side-by-side drawers on the top. To further complicate things, we sometimes refer to particularly short chests of drawers as nightstands. 

Even though chests of drawers are commonly thought of as bedroom furniture to store clothing, these are adaptable pieces. A chest of drawers can house important documents — think of your walnut Art Deco commode as an upgrade to your filing cabinet. Nestle your chest near your home’s front door to store coats and other outerwear, while the top can be a place to drop your handbag. Add some flair to your kitchen, where this lovable case piece can hold pots, pans and even cookbooks.

When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?

Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.

At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.

Questions About Antique Commode Chest
  • How can you tell if a chest is antique?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.

    In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.

    On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
  • How do I identify an antique chest of drawers?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.

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